John Young CROSSMAN was born 9th February 1826 at Walton, Somerset, England. Hannah PERRY was born in 1827 at Chard, Somerset, England. John CROSSMAN married Hannah PERRY at Baltonsborough, Somerset, England on 7th December 1848. They immigrated to South Australia as Government Immigrants on the 'Mary Ann' 18 days after being married. It left Bristol on 25th December 1848 arriving in South Australia on 3rd April 1849.

After living for short periods at Coromandel Valley and Riverton, they settled at Dawesley, where they farmed for 30 years. About 1892, they retired from farming due to ill health. While he was at Riverton, John Young farmed with his brother Henry. They were amongst the first to cultivate wheat in the Riverton District and had to cart their wheat with bullocks and drays to Gawler. John died 8th January 1901 (75yrs) at Dawesley and is buried in the Nairne Cemetery. Hannah died 22nd July 1908 (81yrs) at Dawesley and is buried in the Nairne Cemetery with John.

Photo: Crossman family home at Dawesley (approx. 1885). John Young & Hannah CROSSMAN with 2 daughters possibly Sarah and Amelia Alice. Boy not identified.

Children of John Young CROSSMAN & Hannah PERRY
1. Susan Ann CROSSMANN b. 12 Apr 1852 at Coromandel Valley m. William Frederick KING
2. Elizabeth CROSSMANN b. 10 Aug 1854 at Coromandel Valley m. Henry James WATTS
3. Arthur CROSSMANN b. 21 Nov 1856 at Riverton d. 22 Feb 1860 (3yrs) at Riverton
4. Isabella CROSSMANN b. 2 Oct 1858 at Riverton m. Ebenezer Arthur Charles WATTS
5. Arthur CROSSMAN b. 2 Feb 1861 at Riverton m. Alice Ann GIRDLESTONE
6. Sarah CROSSMAN b. 14 Aug 1865 at Scotts Creek m. Edward DOWNING
7. Amelia Alice CROSSMANN b.19 Feb 1870 at Scotts Creek d. 23 Aug 1938 (69yrs) at Mt. Barker, single.